Policy 3.8

Chapter 3 - Educational Policies

3.8 Student Complaint and Grievances

Purpose: A student enrolled at Minnesota West Community and Technical College has the right to seek a remedy for a dispute or disagreement through a designated complaint or grievance procedure. 

Part 1: Policy Statement

In accordance with Minnesota State System Board Policy 3.8 Student Complaints and Grievances, a student has the right to seek a remedy for a dispute or disagreement through the complaint and grievance procedure. This policy and related procedures shall not:

• Substitute for other complaint or grievance policies or procedures specified in college or Minnesota State system policies or procedures, regulations or negotiated agreements.
  • • Academic grade disputes; grade appeals shall be handled under the Academic Grade Appeal Policy and Procedure.
    • Alleged violations of the student conduct code; those shall be handled under the Student Code of Conduct Policy and Procedure.
    • Minnesota State system Board Policy 1.B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education; allegations of discrimination and/or harassment shall be handled under the 1.B.1. Policy and Procedure.
    • Minnesota State system Board Policy 1.B.3 Sexual Violence Policy; allegations of sexual violence shall be handled under the 1.B.3. Policy and Procedure.

No retaliation of any kind shall be taken against a student for participating, or refusing to participate, in a grievance. Retaliation may be subject to action under appropriate student or employee policies.

Part 2: Definitions

Appeal: A written request for reconsideration of a grievance decision under Minnesota State Board Policy 3.8 and Procedure 3.8.1.

Complaint: An oral or written claim concerning a college issue brought by a student alleging improper, unfair, or arbitrary treatment.

Grievance: A written claim raised by a student alleging improper, unfair, or arbitrary treatment by a faculty or staff member involving the application of a specific provision of a college rule, regulation, board policy, or system procedure.

Retaliation: Retribution of any kind taken against a student for participating or not participating in a complaint or grievance.

Student: Individual who is enrolled in Minnesota West.

Day: Business days do not include Saturday, Sunday or other days when the college is closed.

Related Documents:

Procedure 3.8.1 Student Complaint and Grievances

College Review
Adopted & Approved by: Richard Shrubb, President
Date: July 1, 2003
History & Revision: November 1, 2011, changes in language
Revision: July 25, 2017, Minnesota State

Approved by:  Terry Gaalswyk, President
Revision: January 20, 2026